Lafia, Jan. 17, 2026 (NAN) Dr Hassan Ikrama, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Lafia, has commended the Nasarawa State Government and other stakeholders for their roles in the conversion of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) to a teaching hospital.
Ikrama made the commendation on Saturday in Lafia at an event organised to recognise members of staff of the hospital who distinguished themselves in 2025.
He said that the conversion, approved by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024, was aimed at strengthening medical education, research and healthcare service delivery in Nasarawa State and the country at large.
The CMD praised Gov. Abdullahi Sule for what he described as visionary leadership and sustained commitment to the advancement of healthcare in the state.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, who sponsored the bill that led to the establishment of the teaching hospital.
Ikrama further appreciated indigenes of the state working with the Federal Government, as well as other stakeholders, for their various contributions to the successful conversion.
He described the development as a milestone, noting that the facility had evolved from a General Hospital to a Specialist Hospital between 1999 and 2000, and now to a teaching hospital.
According to him, the conversion has opened new opportunities for medical training, research and improved healthcare delivery.
“It is our desire, and we will do everything possible, to ensure that the teaching hospital in Lafia ranks among the best in the country.
“We will continue to train our staff across all departments to get the best out of them for the benefit of our patients.
“We will also prioritise the welfare and well-being of our staff through various initiatives to enhance optimal performance,” he said.
The CMD also appreciated Gov. Sule for the recent donation of three dialysis machines to the facility, despite its new status as a Federal Government-owned hospital.
On the award presentation to deserving staff, Ikrama said the management would continue to reward hard work in order to motivate employees and improve service delivery.
“This will also encourage others with a view to enhancing service delivery,” he said.
He further disclosed plans to register a football club and organise an annual sports competition for staff, saying sports would help keep them fit and promote unity.
In his remarks, Prof. Ali Shugaba, Provost of the College of Medicine, Federal University of Lafia, commended the CMD for recognising hardworking staff.
Shugaba urged members of staff to remain dedicated to their duties to ensure quality service delivery.
He pledged the college’s readiness to collaborate with the hospital to promote medical education and research, with a view to producing doctors and other medical professionals who can compete favourably anywhere in the world.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Adama Zakari, thanked the hospital management for the recognition and promised that the awardees would redouble their efforts toward improved service delivery. (NAN)
